By Catharine Runion · Community Editor
After the African Art Show moved out, the PFAC Art Gallery wasn’t empty for long. This time, its walls and pedestals were filled with art pieces created by local high school students.
This is the fifth year in a row the college has hosted this art show. Although contributions vary from year to year, pieces represent Hickory High School in Hermitage, Grove City Area High School, Grove City Christian Academy and Mercer Area High School.
There is no set theme for the show and there are no official criteria to enter pieces, so the gallery features a diverse array of artistic expression. Everything from pottery to photography is included.
Hilary Walczak, director of college archives and galleries, said that the gallery is a great way for high school students to connect with the college and vice versa.
The five years of the high school art show’s existence have seen significant growth for many students. “We’ve had students who have shown work since their freshman year now showing their work their senior year,” Walczak said. “It’s wonderful to watch their talents grow and shine over the years.”
According to Walczak, presenting art in a gallery is a special experience for high school students, so while some of the pieces come from distinct art units in their classes, many students have submitted pieces they’ve worked on in their own free time.
There’s a lot of diversity of work on display in the gallery. There are several intriguing pieces of pottery, including bowls of all kinds of designs and flower vases made to look like the torsos of statues of women — one resembling the famous Venus of Willendorf and the other Venus de Milo. There’s the face of an old man, and one piece by Olivia Gargiulo even depicts Perry the Platypus.
One set of bowls hopes to inspire generosity: three cat-themed bowls by Morgan Habarka have been created to support and raise money for the Grove City Pet Rescue. The rescue is at full capacity, so they are fundraising to be able to give cats a second chance at life.
Many pieces feature the rich colors of oil pastels, others feature colored pencil and still more are drawn entirely in pencil. There’s even a whole wall featuring prints of students’ photography.
Being able to present art in a formal show could be a pivotal moment for many of these young artists. “It’s a great way to highlight the work of talented young artists from the surrounding communities,” Walczak said. “We are happy to give them this experience.”
The show opened on Oct. 20 and will run through Dec. 8. It is open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and also on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.
